Which countries have the most left-handed people?
Have you ever noticed how many people around you are left-handed? Globally, around 12% of the population is left-handed, but this percentage varies widely across different countries and cultures.
In nations with complex or formal writing systems, such as China (3.5%) and Japan (4.7%), the proportion of left-handers is notably lower.
This is often due to cultural norms that encourage right-handedness from a young age, especially for tasks requiring intricate handwriting. In these regions, left-handed children are more likely to be taught to write with their right hand.
Interestingly, generational factors also play a role in left-handedness. For example, an estimated 6-8% of the older population worldwide may have been naturally left-handed but were trained to use their right hand instead. This was due to past stigmas associated with left-handedness, which was sometimes viewed as unfavourable.
However, left-handed individuals are not just unique in their numbers; they often exhibit fascinating strengths. Some studies suggest that left-handers may excel in creativity and holistic thinking due to unique brain functions.
The idea that left-handed people are more intelligent than right-handers has been discussed boardly. However, according to BBC, this may not be the case. In competitive fields like sports, left-handers make up around 40% of top tennis players, with stars like Rafael Nadal and Martina Navratilova showcasing their skills.
In the music world, legendary left-handed guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney have used their natural orientation to create unforgettable music, proving that left-handers leave a lasting impact across various fields.
